Although every Invisalign treatment plan is unique, there is something that’s universal: the 20+ hour-a-day wear time. So, you can see why losing an aligner can be panic-inducing for patients. After all, the less you wear the trays, the more likely it is that you will experience treatment plan delays. So, if you find yourself in this situation, it’s important that you act fast. Below, you will learn both what to do as well as what NOT to do.
First, Here’s What You Should NOT Do
Oftentimes, patients assume that their dentist will judge them, so they try to take matters into their own hands. More specifically, they will move on to the next set of aligners in the series without consulting with their dental team. While that may seem like a simple solution, doing so can cause you to fall even further off-track with your treatment plan.
Here’s What You Should Do Instead
First, try retracing your steps, starting from the last place you know you had them. In the process, look in “random” places, like the center console of your car, the waste bin in your kitchen, and the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier. If you’ve looked and looked but can’t find your aligners anywhere, take the next step: call your dental team ASAP.
Over the phone, your dental team will learn more about your situation, including where you are in the teeth-straightening process. If you just transitioned to those aligners, they will likely ask you to wear your previous ones until the replacements arrive. If, on the other hand, you are only a day or two away from progressing to the next set, they will probably ask you to do so a bit earlier than originally planned.
How To: Avoid Losing an Aligner
Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid losing an aligner (and the panic that comes with it), like:
- Only taking your aligners off when it’s absolutely necessary, like before eating
- Placing your aligners in their designated case, not on a napkin or plate
- Putting the designated case in the same spot every time
- Cleaning your trays and putting them back on ASAP
About the Practice
With an exceptional dentist leading the way, patients in Springfield can turn to our team at Skyline Dental for routine checkups, smile-enhancing Invisalign, and just about everything in between. Not only that, but achieving your healthiest, happiest smile is more convenient than ever since we welcome several payment options and offer convenient appointment times, including Saturdays. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or you have a question for us about life with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (973) 949-0925.